Spring has a way of making us think about change, and for some, that means making decisions about the future of a marriage or relationship.
If that’s where you find yourself, it may help to know that separation doesn’t have to mean conflict. There are a number of ways to navigate this process outside of the traditional court route, and one increasingly popular option is Resolution Together – a cooperative approach to divorce where both parties receive legal advice jointly from a single solicitor.
This approach avoids the risk of each spouse consulting separate lawyers and becoming polarised, with each striving for the best-case scenario and resulting in a lengthy, stressful and costly process, only to meet in the middle anyway.
Key Takeaways
- Resolution Together offers a cooperative approach to separation, where both parties receive joint legal advice from a single solicitor to help reduce conflict and avoid polarisation.
- It is best suited to couples who are willing to communicate openly, share financial and personal information transparently, and work together towards a fair agreement.
- Howell Jones Solicitors offers Resolution Together as part of our family law services, providing experienced guidance to help couples reach constructive, fair outcomes during separation or divorce.
When Is Resolution Together Suitable?
Resolution Together is particularly well-suited to couples who are already broadly in agreement, but it can also work well where agreement still needs to be reached, provided both parties are committed to reaching a fair agreement openly and transparently.
For it to be suitable, the following elements are essential:
- Both parties wish to resolve matters consensually and to receive advice jointly;
- Both parties consent to sharing all relevant information, including financial;
- There is no significant power imbalance, vulnerability or other factor that would make it inappropriate for one lawyer to advise both parties; and
- Both parties enter into a retainer agreement, which confirms their informed consent for the lawyer to advise both jointly.
Either party can seek a second opinion from another lawyer at any time. Discussions in joint meetings are confidential unless both agree otherwise.
Resolution Together Compared to Mediation
There are similarities with Mediation, but the fundamental difference is that Mediators cannot give legal advice. Mediation comprises a confidential way for parties to reach a resolution of their dispute with the assistance of a mediator. With Resolution Together, both parties benefit from full legal guidance they can each rely on to reach a fair and balanced outcome.
Resolution Together will not be suitable or appropriate for all clients. It should be a clear and positive choice for them. Resolution Together provides a cooperative and confidential avenue for resolving family matters, emphasising transparency and joint decision-making.
Contact Howell Jones Solicitors
At Howell Jones, Surrey Solicitors, we offer Resolution Together as part of our everyday Surrey family law practice. If you and your partner are looking for a constructive, fair way to navigate separation or divorce, we are here to help you reach a settlement that reflects both of your needs and best interests.
To find out more about the Resolution Together process, call Howell Jones today on 0800 011 9813.
